Saluki
Summary
The Saluki is one of the oldest and most prestigious dog breeds in history, with representations in Egyptian tombs 4,000 years old and references to its qualities in Middle Eastern manuscripts. Considered sacred among nomadic Arab tribes, it was used to hunt gazelles and hares with falcons. It is distinguished by the variety of types accepted in the standard — with or without fringes — and by the remarkable physical endurance that allows it to run at high speed over long distances.
Physical Characteristics
- Size
- Medium to large
- Height (male)
- 58–71 cm
- Height (female)
- 54–68 cm
- Weight (male)
- 16–29 kg
- Weight (female)
- 14–25 kg
- Life Expectancy
- 12–17 years
- Coat
- Two varieties: feathered (silky fringes on the ears, limbs, tail, and sometimes neck) or smooth; short and soft hair on the body
- Common Colors
- All colors are accepted — white, cream, fawn, gold, red, brown, tricolor, black and tan, blue and tan
Temperament & Personality
The Saluki is an elegant, gentle, and deeply loyal dog to the family, but distant and reserved with strangers. It is a soft-natured animal that does not respond well to pressure or rigid discipline. At home it is calm and discreet; in open fields it transforms into a tireless hunter with a very pronounced prey drive. It appreciates close human company and does not like being left alone for extended periods.
Activity & Exercise
- Energy Level
- High
- Recommended Daily Exercise
- 90–120 minutes
Grooming & Care
- Grooming Needs
- Low to moderate
- Shedding
- Low to moderate
- Bathing Frequency
- Every 4–6 weeks
Health
- Common Health Issues
- Anesthesia sensitivity
- Cancer (mast cell tumors, hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma)
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV — less frequent than in larger breeds)
- Hip dysplasia
- Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL)
- Recommended Health Tests
- Annual cardiac evaluation
- Eye examination
- Genetic test for NCL
- Hip evaluation
Compatibility
- With Children
- Good
- With Other Dogs
- Excellent
- For First-Time Owners
- Not recommended
